The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has unveiled extensive amendment proposals for the unit management plans of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park, potentially transforming these natural areas with new accommodations and recreational facilities.
- A public meeting to discuss these changes is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, from 3 to 4 p.m. CT at the WaterColor Lakehouse in Santa Rosa Beach.
For Grayton Beach State Park, the proposed amendments include:
- Adding up to 10 cabins within the existing cabin area in the West Tract, south of County Road 30A
- Constructing a new beach access restroom near the existing beach access parking area
- Developing up to four pickleball courts north of the campground entrance road in the East Tract
- Creating a disc golf course along either side of the park entrance road
- Expanding parking areas for the eastern beach access
At Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, the plans include:
- Developing a park lodge with up to 350-room capacity. Two alternative concepts are proposed:
- Constructing the lodge southwest of the camping area
- Redesigning the existing campground, original cabin/bungalow area, and support area to accommodate the lodge
- Adding up to four pickleball courts southeast of the entrance station
- Creating a disc golf course in an area south of the park cabins
The DEP states these changes aim to enhance public access, recreation, and lodging at state parks as part of Florida’s Great Outdoors Initiative. The department emphasizes that all improvements will employ best practices to ensure facilities are harmonious with park-specific resources and compatible with native lands and plants.
However, the Florida Wildlife Federation has raised concerns about the proposals. According to the Federation, these changes could “forever alter the natural landscape and passive recreational enjoyment of our treasured public lands.”
- They argue the proposals conflict with state law guiding the Division of Recreation and Parks, specifically Florida statute 258.037, which promotes “such character as to emblemize the state’s natural values” and aims to “enjoy these values without depleting them.”
The DEP maintains that sensitivity to each park’s classification and avoidance of critical habitats will be prioritized in the design and implementation of these facilities.
Public participation in the upcoming meeting is encouraged, with accommodations available for those requiring special assistance. Those seeking more information can contact the Office of Park Planning at 850-245-3051 or email WaltonCountySPpublicmeeting@floridadep.gov.
4 Responses
Isn’t there already an abundance of disturbed and paved land in this county that isn’t being used? Why take the ever decreasing public nature land and put up playgrounds for the few?
I saw a post earlier that had a picture of the green boards posting the meeting and it clearly stated 3-4PM (EST). So which is it? 2-3 Central Time or 3-4 as it states in this post above. Thanks, I think it needs to be explained so people don’t show up an hour late, since it’s only an hour long meeting…
These state parks need to be left alone. Overbuilding has done so much damage to greenspace and natural wildlife in our area. When is enough is enough? We are way past that point.
Please fight against this. A park lodge with up to 350 rooms will be devastating to this beautiful park. Florida State Parks need to stay wild and natural. Let’s save what is left of wild Florida. Start a Facebook page to have people informed and write, call to oppose this. Check out the Facebook page “Protect Jonathan Dickinson State Park” . A lot of good information is on here and has information on where you should write and call to oppose.